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“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine” Offers an Authentic Experience of Nature and Tradition

“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine,” located near the historic Ardenica Monastery in Lushnja’s Kolonjë area, is emerging as a destination that combines traditional hospitality, local cuisine and quality wines. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the business on social media. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) supported the project …

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Clear weather expected across Albania, temperatures to reach 38 degrees Celsius

TIRANA, July 30 – Albania will experience mostly clear weather on Thursday as stable atmospheric conditions continue across the country. According to the Military Meteorological Service, light to moderate temporary cloud formations may appear around midday, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Local light rain showers may occur in …

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Agreement Signed to Train Young Tourism Professionals

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the development of human resources in Albania’s tourism sector. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja and Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Prof. …

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“Daily Mail”: Albania tops British travellers’ choices as Europe’s cheaper holiday alternative

TIRANA, July 30 – British newspaper “Daily Mail” has highlighted Albania as one of the most attractive lower-cost European alternatives for travellers who are reconsidering expensive long-haul holidays. In an article by Alessia Fidler, the British outlet writes that rising travel costs are pushing many Britons to replace dream destinations …

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Special Forces complete advanced military training courses

TIRANA, July 30 – The Special Operations Regiment (ROS) in Zall Herr completed the “Commando” and “Reconnaissance Operator” courses with a graduation ceremony. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and relatives attended the event. …

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National Tourism Agency informs visitors at Albania’s entry points

TIRANA, July 30 – The National Tourism Agency is present at Albania’s entry points to provide foreign visitors with tourist information during their stay. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing agency staff welcoming tourists and distributing maps, guides and information materials. The initiative helps visitors discover …

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Tax relief to support Albania’s defense industry

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved measures to support companies operating in Albania’s defense industry, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi said the latest Council of Ministers meeting approved 5 acts related to the Ministry of Defense. One of the main decisions changes the Value Added Tax law to …

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Zoto Bridge in Vithkuq, a Valuable Testimony of Cultural Heritage

Specialists from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) inspected Zoto Bridge in Vithkuq, Korçë, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and protect cultural monuments. The first-category cultural monument faces several conservation challenges, including the impact of natural factors. IKTK said it remains committed to preserving the bridge’s authenticity, …

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Albania prepares Gaza mission with 4 staff officers

TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Ministers approved a draft legal act on Albania’s participation in the international mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. The government will send the draft to the Assembly for approval. Nufi said Albania will initially contribute 4 staff officers to the mission. …

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Begaj Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Deadly Fire in Domë Village

President Bajram Begaj expressed his deep sorrow after a tragic fire in Domë village, Shkodër, killed a mother and her two children. Begaj shared his condolences with the victims’ relatives and offered his support to the family during this difficult time. “I feel deeply saddened by the tragedy in Domë …

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SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

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Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

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New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …

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Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …

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Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …

News
Football Federation approves Elite Youth Academy participation in youth championships

TIRANA, August 7 – The Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has approved the participation of Elite Youth Academy teams in the Abissnet Superiore U-16 and U-17 championships for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The decision aims to strengthen youth football development and create more opportunities for young …

News
Defense Minister thanks firefighters battling wildfires

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi shared footage today from the firefighting operation in the Mount Dajti area and praised the commitment and sacrifice of personnel working on the ground. Nufi said in a social media post that emergency structures and Armed Forces personnel provide protection for citizens, …

News
Foreign tourists praise Durrës for hospitality, beaches and affordable prices

TIRANA, August 7 – Foreign tourists visiting Durrës during the summer season have praised the city’s beaches, hospitality, affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic said they had a positive experience and considered Durrës an attractive destination for …

News
Financial Times: PM Rama says Albania has clear path to EU membership

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has a clear path toward European Union membership in an interview with the Financial Times, which examined the European Union’s renewed enlargement agenda. Rama said the country is in one of the strongest positions in its modern history. He added …

News
Business turnover rises by ALL 127 billion in first half of 2026

TIRANA, August 7 – Business turnover across Albania’s main economic sectors increased by ALL 127 billion during the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger economic activity, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said business turnover rose by 7% compared with the same period in 2025. He added that the figures …

News

SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News

Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

News

New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …

News

Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …

News

Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …

News

Football Federation approves Elite Youth Academy participation in youth championships

TIRANA, August 7 – The Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has approved the participation of Elite Youth Academy teams in the Abissnet Superiore U-16 and U-17 championships for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The decision aims to strengthen youth football development and create more opportunities for young …

News

Defense Minister thanks firefighters battling wildfires

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi shared footage today from the firefighting operation in the Mount Dajti area and praised the commitment and sacrifice of personnel working on the ground. Nufi said in a social media post that emergency structures and Armed Forces personnel provide protection for citizens, …

News

Foreign tourists praise Durrës for hospitality, beaches and affordable prices

TIRANA, August 7 – Foreign tourists visiting Durrës during the summer season have praised the city’s beaches, hospitality, affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic said they had a positive experience and considered Durrës an attractive destination for …

News

Financial Times: PM Rama says Albania has clear path to EU membership

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has a clear path toward European Union membership in an interview with the Financial Times, which examined the European Union’s renewed enlargement agenda. Rama said the country is in one of the strongest positions in its modern history. He added …

News

Business turnover rises by ALL 127 billion in first half of 2026

TIRANA, August 7 – Business turnover across Albania’s main economic sectors increased by ALL 127 billion during the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger economic activity, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said business turnover rose by 7% compared with the same period in 2025. He added that the figures …